Bryan Weaver, who creatively, albeit unsuccessfully challenged Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham last year, announced today that he is also jumping into the race for the April 26 D.C. Council At-Large special election. That makes two surprise announcements today; Republican D.C. State Board of Education member Patrick Mara confirmed his own interest earlier this morning.

Weaver’s decision, made public minutes ago on TBD’s NewsTalk with Bruce DePuyt, follows weeks of prodding by an insurgent “Draft Weaver” campaign launched by former DCist contributor Dave Stroup. The campaign raised over $1,000 towards Weaver’s candidacy, but now it will be left to Weaver himself to raise the remaining money and collect the necessary 3,000 signatures to get on the ballot.

“It’s sort of like the lottery,” said Weaver of the race. “You don’t win if you don’t play.” Weaver said he would appeal to voters on the “progressive side of the ledger,” calling many of the other candidates fighting for the seat “throwbacks.”